Been lurking here for a bit, pondering the wisdom of buying a 2007 MCS with only 26k on it. Then we drove the car and that sealed the deal. The car reminds me of my track-ready BMW 2002, but way faster and working AC. We hope to pick the car up tomorrow, but until then, I remember seeing somewhere on this forum a sticky about maintaining these cars; can someone point me to some good posts?

 

Don't know exactly what you are looking for in regards to the 07 but I've got an 07 and love it. There are many threads regards potential issues.

A few things to keep in mind, this year as well as up to 09 have timing chain tensioner issues. Not all but many. It'll sound like a diesel or rocks bouncing around the upper left side of motor. Mine went at 62K and ran $1700. Dealer only charged me $500 and submitted the rest to Mini as good will (no warranty). The only other issue I've had is a leaking thermostat ($350).

Check oil level on a regular basis as well as coolant.

Other than that enjoy and welcome to the group.

 

Thanks for the response. From the CarFax report, the car had its clutch assembly and timing chain replaced in 2009, throttle valve/housing replaced in 2011, and the dealer just did the aux water pump replacement. I'll poke around some more on the forum regarding carbon issues and the like; I also thought I read something about an oil trap?

 

If your throttle body was cleaned they may have de-carboned it as well?
The carbon issue is on all the Mini Cooper S's and is due to the direct fuel injection. Run highest premium you can get and throw a bottle of Chevron techron in about every 3K. Also, if your car doesn't have one, a good investment is a BSH oil catch can and boost tap. See www.waymotorworks.com . Well worth the money and an easy install.
It's good you've already had the timing chain tensioner replaced.
Oh, another thing on carbon, if you run the car a little hard or after a longer hot drive, prior to turning the car off let it idle for about a minute to help cool down the turbo. Don't know if that really does anything but my Mini mechanic suggested it as well as the OCC.